Setter Dejan Vincic orchestrated Slovenia’s well-organised offence that put Mitja Gasparini and Tine Urnaut in the spotlight against the Netherlands’ tough defence. The match featured Slovenia’s brilliance on the attack that resulted in a commanding 25-15 win in the first set.

However, the Dutch fought back against the Slovenians utilising their tough defence to extend the set, but the latter’s mental toughness prevailed to win 32-30. Slovenia showed that they are the top team in the group as they continuously overcame tough situations against the Netherlands that helped them complete the match sweep with a 25-20 triumph.

Japan emerged on top of the thrilling tie-break set against the Netherlands. The Japanese side lost to the hosts 25-23 in the opening set after leading throughout. However, they got back on track after winning the next two sets at 25-18 and 25-23.

Australia did not give up on the fight and came out on top in the fourth set 25-22 that set off loud cheers from the crowd inside the Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium. The final set was a tight race until the end as both sides refused to give up in every rally. Japan finally scored two important points on attacks to prevail with a two-point margin at 18-16.

Slovenia and Japan will meet for the second time this year in the finale at 16:10 local time on Sunday. In their first encounter, Japan handed Slovenia’s only loss in Group 2 in 10 matches when they played in the tie-breaker.

Hosts Australia will face the Netherlands at 13:40 local time to determine the third best team in Group 2.